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Judas Priest

On this episode of ROCK TALK WITH MITCH LAFON, new interviews with Ian Hill Of Judas Priest, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger, and Tora Tora's Anthony Corder. All interviews recorded live in-person at venues in Albany NY, Montreal and Columbia MD.

Our first interview is with Judas Priest's Ian Hill (recorded at The Palace in Albany, NY). Ian speaks about the current tour, why the Ripper Owens albums aren't available, the importance of the Painkiller album, what happens if Andy Sneap leaves, and much more.

In our second interview (recorded backstage at the MTelus in Montreal), Halestorm discuss the band's latest release Vicious, should we use the term 'female guitarist' or simply say 'guitarist', Alice Cooper, covering songs from '80s bands, finding their 'sound' and much more.

And we end the episode with a quick chat (recorded at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland) with Tora Tora's Anthony Corder. He discusses the band's latest album Bastards Of Beale, getting back together, making new music, the importance of the M3 Rock Festival and much more.

SPIRITS OF FIRE, the new band featuring Tim “Ripper" Owens, Chris Caffery, Steve Di Giorgio & Mark Zonder, have announced a February 22, 2019

release date for their self-titled debut album and released the first single & video, "Light Speed Marching" from the album.

Frontiers Music Srl is known for building new bands/projects featuring musicians of outstanding quality and who come from unique backgrounds. After an intense brainstorming session, a dream team of renowned metal musicians including Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex Judas Priest, Iced Earth), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Death etc.) and Mark Zonder (ex Fates Warning, Warlord) was born and put together under the direction of renowned LA-based producer Roy Z. (Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Tribe Of Gypsies).

Called SPIRITS OF FIRE (after the title of one of their songs), the band has completed work on their debut album which is set for release on February 22nd via Frontiers Music Srl. The music can best be described as “classic Priest meets Savatage”.

Guitarist Chris Caffery on his influences for the record and working with Roy Z: “My influences for writing on this record were the bands that we were and are still in! I wanted to write songs that [Judas] Priest, Savatage, Testament, and Fates Warning fans would like. But, I wanted them to have a personality of their own as well. To give it a vibe that was SPIRITS OF FIRE! I grew up listening to Judas Priest and spent 30 plus years working with Jon Oliva and Paul O’Neill with Savatage and TSO. Many years playing Criss’ music. These influences for me came naturally! Especially because I’m a fan of all of our bands!

This was the first time that I ever worked with Roy and it was so much fun. I have been a huge fan of his work for a long time. He’s written music, played on, and produced some of my favorite metal albums ever. He had a difficult job bringing this all together and I can’t think of anyone that would have been a better producer and co-worker for this album!”

“I always just sing to the song, whatever I feel it should be. It’s like a character thing! I like layers! This music is really perfect for me and in my natural wheel house. I like to sing all over the place and change it up and this all happens on this album. This is just the start of an amazing band, I mean sky is the limit and I actually can’t wait to record the next album, because this one is so great and perfect,” says vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens.

Drummer Mark Zonder adds about his playing and writing process, “I am the kind of player that plays what I think fits best with the music. With SPIRITS OF FIRE, the music was more aggressive and hard hitting which I really liked. Again, I tried to be very mindful of the song and the vocals, but tried to add parts that were interesting and creative for the listener.”

Da Capo Press are pleased to announce the publication of Heavy Duty by K.K. Downing, a memoir by the cofounder and former lead guitarist of heavy metal giant Judas Priest. This sharp, resonant, and revealing book gives fans a glimpse at the inner workings of the archetypal heavy metal band of the 1980s.

As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround this heavy metal institution. Whatever the topic, whoever's involved, K.K. doesn't hold back: internal struggles between band members, Downing's early life, the band's intense rivalry with Iron Maiden. . . everything is explored in Heavy Duty.

Also included in this first tell-all by a member of Judas Priest are rare and never-before-seen photos from Downing's personal collection.

"K.K. Downing gives us an incisive look into the machinations of one of the greatest innovators in Heavy Metal." ~ Scott Ian, Anthrax guitarist, author of ‘I'm the Man’ and ‘Access All Areas’.

We would love to partner with you to help spread the word about this explosive memoir. If you would like to review it on your blog or website, promote it on your social media or email newsletter, or host a giveaway, we would be more than happy to send you an advance reading copy. Limited quantities of finished books are also available should you wish to host a giveaway.

Ken "K.K." Downing is a guitarist and founding member of heavy metal band Judas Priest. He formed the band at the age of sixteen after getting kicked out of his home by his abusive father and the band eventually found success during the New Wave of British heavy metal in the late 1970s and into the 1980s. K.K. retired from the band in 2011 and lives in Shropshire, England.

Mark Eglinton is a frequent cowriter whose previous collaborations include Official Truth, 101 Proof with Rex Brown of Pantera and Confessions of a Heretic with Behemoth's Adam "Nergal" Darski, along with the solo project So Let It Be Written: The Biography of Metallica's James Hetfield. Eglinton divides his time between Scotland and the Pacific Northwest.

This week on Westwood's One Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon new interviews with former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, King Crimson & Foreigner founder Ian McDonald and Helloween's Andi Deris. Former Guns N' Roses manager Alan Niven co-hosts and we talk about Great White touring with Judas Priest, the 1988 Donington tragedy and more

In the episode's first interview guitarist K.K. Downing discusses his new book Heavy Duty - Days And Nights In Judas Priest, his reasons for the book, Rob Halford, Gull Records, his relationship with Glenn Tipton, brand over band, forming a new band with Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Sharon Osbourne & OzzFest, one voice/one band, regrets in leaving Judas Priest, and much more.

In our second interview, KING CRIMSON - FOREIGNER co-founder Ian McDonald talks about his new band Honey West, their latest album Bad Old World, the Foreigner reunion shows, the possibility of a new reunion Foreigner album, Foreigner's inception and was it a supergroup, finding Lou Gramm, the story behind Foreigner's debut album, departing after Head Games, KING CRIMSON's debut album & iconic artwork, his solo album Drivers Eyes, T.Rex and much more.

Helloween Andi Deris closes the episode talking about the band's Pumpkins United (reunion) tour, his time in Pink Cream 69, Germany's Internet service, KISS, will Helloween go back to being a single singer band, new album with current Pumpkins United lineup, the Pumpkins United single, how Helloween's 1994 album Master Of The Rings album utilized Pink Cream 69 song ideas, the upcoming live DVD, leaving Pink Cream 69 and more.

*Please note that the interview with Andi is made up of three separate phone calls.

Judas Priest’s latest studio album, Firepower, was released March 9, 2018, via Epic Records. Co-produced by Tom Allom and Andy Sneap, the 14-track album has become one of the most successful of the band’s entire career - landing in the "top-5" of 17 countries (including their highest chart placement ever in the U.S.), and scoring their highest charting commercial rock radio single in decades with “Lightning Strike” (for which a music video was also filmed).

And at noon EST on July 23rd, the band’s next music video, “No Surrender,” will be available for viewing. “’No Surrender’ captures the true metal fighting spirit and metalheads around the world find a united voice within the message of this song,” says the band. “When you honestly believe in yourself and live your life the way you have the right to with no surrender, then nothing will ever stop you from living your dream.”

Few heavy metal bands have managed to scale the heights that Judas Priest have during their near 50-year career, and with a line-up featuring Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill, and Scott Travis, Judas Priest will be scorching across North America with some heavy metal Firepower again this summer and fall on tour with Deep Purple! For more information, please visit judaspriest.com.

It is not often that fans of heavy metal get the opportunity to hear new music from Judas Priest and meet these heavy metal legends. But soon, lucky fans will have it both ways. On March 2nd, a lyric video for a NEW standout track from the album, “Never The Heroes,” will be unveiled - a song which can purchased now via http://smarturl.it/Firepower. And on March 19 at 6:00 P.M at the Sony Square NYC (25 Madison Avenue in New York City), the band will be signing copies of their brand new album, ‘Firepower.’

As the band explains, “’Never The Heroes’ is about the courageous men and women that enter war - never trained to be heroes but becoming heroic due to their actions and sacrifices doing their duty for their people and country. It resonates as there is a hero in all of us and in times of struggle we can be strong and united - conquering our own challenges and helping others - it's a traditional Priest mid-tempo powerhouse, with a powerful message!”

Set for release on Friday, March 9th, 2018 via Epic Records - ‘Firepower’ is comprised of fourteen tracks of pure and highly inspired metal. And to mark the occasion Priest (singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis) has reunited with producer Tom Allom (the man behind the board for all of the band’s releases from 1979-1988, including such stellar classics as ‘Unleashed in the East,’ ‘British Steel,’ ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ and 'Defenders of the Faith') and with Grammy Award-winning producer Andy Sneap also helping to raise the sonic bar even higher.

“Tom Allom has got this classic metal thing,” explains Halford. “And Andy is a bit more of a ‘modern metal producer’ but his thinking is a little bit different to Tom’s. And I think to get this balance between that classic old school metal to what Andy’s world is was just a remarkable coalescence.” “Tom Allom has been with us since 1979, so his knowledge of ourselves and our music in general is immense,” adds Hill. And according to Travis Priest returned back to a recording method that worked incredibly well on the band’s earlier classics - “We went back to the organic way of recording where it’s all of us in a room and we got to play together.”

With the impending arrival of ‘Firepower’ and its ensuing tour (which kicks off on March 13th in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania), THE PRIEST IS BACK!

Ten years ago Glenn was diagnosed to have the onset of the early stages of Parkinson's - from then until recently Glenn has lived his life as the great heavy metal guitar player he has always been, maintaining by his own definition a standard of quality and performance that is incredibly important. Right now Glenn is able to play and perform some of the Priest songs that are less challenging but due to the nature of Parkinson's progression he wants to let you all know that he won't be touring as such.

True to the metal spirit of 'the show must go on' Glenn has requested Andy Sneap to fly the flag on stage for him.

"I want everyone to know that it's vital that the Judas Priest tour go ahead and that I am not leaving the band - it's simply that my role has changed. I don't rule out the chance to go on stage as and when I feel able to blast out some Priest! So at some point in the not too distant future I'm really looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful metal maniacs once again."

Rob, Richie, Ian and Scott have this to say: "We have been privileged to witness Glenn's determination and steadfast commitment over the years, showing his passion and self belief through the writing, recording and performing sessions with Priest - he is a true metal hero!

"We are not surprised by Glenn's insistence that we complete the Firepower tour and thank Andy for joining us to make Glenn's wishes become real - as Glenn has said we also can't wait to have him with us at any time any place on the road.....We love you Glenn!"

The album has been remastered and will be released via Sony Music on February 3rd, 2017 on 3 CD (the original album and 2 bonus discs) as well as 1LP 150g vinyl.

Originally released in 1986, Turbo features all the hallmarks of classic Priest on tracks such as â€œTurbo Loverâ€, â€œParental Guidanceâ€ and â€œLocked Inâ€.

Included on disc 2 and 3 of the CD reissue is, previously unreleased, â€˜Live in Kansas Cityâ€™, a live recording from the bandâ€™s 1986 Fuel For Life tour in support of Turbo.

The band add â€œThe 80â€™s is considered to have been the best decade for heavy metal – Judas Priest roared through it and at the half way point went into unchartered territory with â€˜Turboâ€™. Always believing that metal should have no boundaries, Priest challenged themselves taking on board new technical inventions to create fresh ideas and push their sound forward. The combined songs show another side of Priestâ€™s range of creativity that captures a theme and energy infused with the over the top sensibilities of that era. The â€˜Fuel For Lifeâ€™ tour certainly encapsulated the decadence of the times! â€˜Turboâ€™ remastered and accompanied by a pedal to the metal live recording from Kansas reveals Priest on high octane – Raising fists and devil horns to the next level.â€

Judas Priest's tour in support of their 17th studio album overall, Redeemer of Souls, was one of the most extensive of the group's entire career - consisting of 130 shows in 33 countries, and offering a setlist that touched upon selections from nearly all of their classic albums. And now, fans can relive the live Priest experience once more, with the release of the new CD/DVD/Blu-ray, Battle Cry, on March 25th, 2016, via Epic Records (preview available for viewing here http://smarturl.it/JudasPriestDVD

Recorded live on August 1st, 2015 at Germany's Wacken Festival in front of an audience of 85,000, Battle Cry is available on a 15-track CD, with the entire show on Blu-ray and DVD (running over 94 minutes), as well as digital audio and video formats. The DVD and Blu-ray also contains 3 bonus tracks shot in Poland on December 10th, 2015 at The Ergo Arena, Gdansk, Poland.

What makes the show's track listing so appealing is it balances new classics ("Dragonaut," "Halls of Valhalla," "Redeemer of Souls") along with headbanging classics ("Metal Gods," "Electric Eye," "You've Got Another Thing Coming"), as well as key album tracks from yesteryear ("Devil's Child," "Beyond the Realms of Death," "Jawbreaker").

Originally formed during the early '70s in Birmingham, England, Priest is responsible for offering metal fans worldwide some of the genre's most influential and landmark albums (1980's 'British Steel,' 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance,' 1990's 'Painkiller,' etc.), while helping spread metal music to audiences not normally associated with the genre (Live Aid in 1985, and a surprise appearance on American Idol in 2011), and helping popularize the now instantly recognizable "denim and leather" look.

For decades, Judas Priest has been one of the greatest live bands in the entire heavy metal genre. And as evidenced by Battle Cry, Priest rock harder and more ferociously than ever.

JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford and singer Robert Fleischman join Mitch on episode 161 of One On One with Mitch Lafon.

In our first interview, The Metal God Rob Halford talks about ego, does the band need to make a new album, is K.K. Downing persona non grata, the Turbo album, will there be a KISS - Judas Priest 2016 co-headline tour, and more.

Quotes from the interview:
"I can be quite challenging when things aren't going the way I think they should go."
"We've had no communication with K.K. since he's retired."
"I do all my venting on stage."

Due to the overwhelming success of Judas Priest's 17th studio effort overall, 'Redeemer of Souls' (which became the highest-charting album of their career, when it debuted on the Billboard 200 charts at #6), the band has announced a fall tour, which will hit the U.S. and Canada, from October 16th through November 12th. Supporting Priest on the U.S. dates and the Halifax engagement will be one of modern metal's top bands, Mastodon.

'Redeemer of Souls' also went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed releases of the band's career, with Rolling Stone stating, "Above all, 'Redeemer' is proof that Priest can still call themselves metal's defenders of the faith," while Revolver Magazine offered further praise, "Thus rejuvenated and recharged, the Metal Gods have delivered their strongest record in over a decade."

INTERVIEWS WITH KK DOWNING (EX-JUDAS PRIEST), HOUSE OF LORDS, SPACEY T (SOUND BARRIER, PRAISE THE DEAD), SYMPHONY X AND DEATH ANGEL ON RICH DAVENPORT'S ROCK SHOW

Rich Davenport's Rock Show this week features interviews with Judas Priest legend KK Downing, James Christian (House of Lords), Tracey 'Spacey T' Singleton (Praise The Dead, ex Sound Barrier, Fishbone), Symphony X's Michael Romeo and Ted Aguilar from Death Angel, and is now available for streaming at this link:

In the first hour, legendary former Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing drops in to discuss his new range of fragrances for Rockers, Metal for Men and Metal for Women. KK also talks about some of the reasons he chose to leave Priest, and looks at the way in which the classic Priest axe team he formed with Glenn Tipton worked to stay on the cutting edge of lead guitar playing. KK also chooses two of his favourite Priest classics.

Also in part 1, House of Lords vocalist James Christian looks at the band's stellar new album 'Indestructible', their tenth to date, released as the current line up celebrates its tenth anniversary. You'll also hear two new tracks chosen by James.

The second hour kicks off with a chat with renowned guitar hero Tracey 'Spacey T' Singleton, formerly of Sound Barrier, Fishbone, and Mother's Finest, and now playing 8-string guitar with Praise The Dead, a power duo whose sound is simultaneously melodic and crushingly heavy. The band has just released 'The Heavy', the first of 3 EPs, and Tracey gives the low down on this exciting new project. Tracey also pays tribute to Phil Lynott, revealing that Sound Barrier approached the Lizzy legend's management to ask him to produce an album for them. You'll also hear Sound Barrier's cover of Thin Lizzy's 'Hollywood (Down On Your Luck)', and Tracey's choice of another Lizzy gem.

Rounding off the show are interviews with Michael Romeo, guitarist with Prog Metal masters Symphony X, who looks at their forthcoming new album 'Underworld', and Ted Aguilar, rhythm guitarist with classic Thrashers Death Angel. Ted discusses their new CD/DVD package which features a live album, 'The Bay Calls For Blood', and 'Thrashumentary', a career-spanning retrospective documentary.

The show closes with two tracks from Bob Seger's latest album 'Ride Out'.

KK Downing on why he left Judas Priest and will never play with them again:

By: Robert Cavuoto

Not many bands can leave a lasting impression and legacy like Judas Priest have done over the last 40 years. They have been waving the flag for heavy metal through-out their career to legions of fans around the world, influencing countless musicians and bands along the way.

I can still recall the first time I heard the intro dual assault lead to “Victim of Changes” on my local college radio station or jamming out with my first band to “Living after Midnight” and “Hot Rocking.”

For me Priest was more than an influence it was a life changing experience. With groundbreaking metal albums like “British Steel,” “Hell Bent for Leather,” and “Screaming for Vengeance”, it’s easy to understand why!

Vocalist for Priest, Rob Halford, cited the band’s longevity to the chemistry between the members and that undeniably good music will travel time to connect with fans. Often imitated but never duplicated – Priest delivers the goods.

In 2010 the band shocked the world when they announced a Farewell Tour. Then in 2011, guitarist and founding member, KK Downing, announced he would be leaving the band.

Things were not looking good in the Priest camp when suddenly the Farewell announcement was rescinded and the band decided to carry on without KK.

The circumstances surrounding the band’s inner turmoil was never truly disclosed until now!

In my candid and honest interview with KK Downing, he shares with me the main reason for his departure, how he doesn’t think he will ever play another song with Priest again, and his passion of owning a golf course!

Dark Star Records Artist CONQUEST is pleased to announce that they will be releasing a new Metal Gods Tribute Album called UNDER THE INFLUENCE. The new full length album will feature all new versions of some the greatest classic metal songs of all time like FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS by METALLICA, COWBOYS FROM HELL by PANTERA, METAL GODS by JUDAS PRIEST and Many More! All the songs are Preformed by Conquest and Produced by Conquest and Adam Long. Look for the New Album UNDER THE INFLUENCE by CONQUEST to be available later this Summer via Dark Star Records in Association with Sony Music Entertainment.

March 25, 2015 - New York, NY - SONY Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings, SME's catalog division, have signed a worldwide rights deal to with the Metal God, Rob Halford. Frontman of the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, Rob Halford brought his iconic charisma and influential vocal style to a variety of side projects since 1992, notably his bands Fight, 2wo and Halford. The new SONY/Legacy agreement with Rob Halford will include individual album catalog titles and audio-visual releases. Upcoming Rob Halford anthology titles will include an Essential and Playlist collection with plans for a definitive Complete Albums Box.

Born Robert John Arthur Halford on August 25, 1951, Rob Halford rocketed to fame as the lead singer for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. One of the genre's most powerful, distinctive and influential vocalists, Halford set the standard for generations of metal singers. After leaving Judas Priest in 1992, Halford formed the band Fight and, between 1993 and 1995, recorded two albums, War of Words and A Small Deadly Space, and an EP, Mutations, with the band. Following Fight, Halford moved into the realm of industrial metal with his Two project. In 2000, he launched the straight-ahead no-nonsense pure metal ensemble Halford. The SONY/Legacy release agreement includes virtually all of Rob Halford's work with Fight, Two and Halford from 1992 onward. Coming on March 31, Columbia/Legacy Recordings will release The Essential Rob Halford (2 CD-30 tracks).
Rob Halford Catalog includes:

FightAlbums
War of Words
Mutations
A Small Deadly Space
K5 The “War of Words” DemosAudio/Visual
War of Words: The Film
Live in Phoenix

Two
Voyeurs

Halford
Metal God Essentials: Volume 1
Resurrection
Live Insurrection
Crucible
Live at Rock in Rio 3 (album and audio/visual)
Live in Anaheim (album and audio/visual)
Winter Songs
Made of Metal
Live at Saitama Super Arena (album and audio/visual)
Live in London
Live 2010 North & South America Tour (album and audio/visual)
Metal God Essentials: Volume 2

REMASTERED/EXPANDED VERSION OF JUDAS PRIEST'S CLASSIC 'DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH' ALBUM ANNOUNCED

New York, NY - December 10, 2014 - Coming off an era which saww several Judas Priest albums that have gone down as some of the greatest in the entire history of heavy metal (namely, 1980's 'British Steel' and 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance'), the band from Birmingham knew that their next release had to 'deliver the goods,' to cement their standing as the leaders of metal. And deliver they did, with their platinum-certified 1984 release, 'Defenders of the Faith,' which spawned such headbanging classics as 'Freewheel Burning,' 'Jawbreaker,' 'The Sentinel,' 'Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,' and 'Love Bites.'

And on March 10, 2015, a newly expanded three-CD version of the album will be unleashed via Columbia/Legacy, which includes the original ten-track album remastered by producer Tom Allom, and a complete live recording from the 'Defenders' tour, recorded at the Long Beach Arena in California, on May 5, 1984.

The 21-track concert (split up over two discs) perfectly balances the then-new material from the group's ninth studio offering overall, including such classics as 'Metal Gods,' 'Breaking the Law,' 'Sinner,' 'Electric Eye,' 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown),' 'Victim of Changes,' and 'You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,' among many others.

As the band states in the liner notes to the reissue, "It's 30 years since we released 'Defenders of the Faith' - we're very proud to say it has become a classic that's beloved by Priest fans throughout the world"

Judas Priest continues to 'defend the faith' to this day, as the group recently issued their seventeenth studio album, 'Redeemer of Souls,' which sees the band's popularity amongst metalheads remain as strong as ever, as it debuted higher than any other previous Priest release (at #6 on the Billboard 200). And on the group's current tour, quite a few classics from 'Defenders' are being performed for the first time in years.

And soon, fans will get a chance to re-experience vintage Judas Priest, with the 'Defenders of the Faith' reissue.

In episode 4 of METAL WRAPS, hosts Mark Strigl (of Talking Metal), Mitch Joel (of Six Pixels of Separation) and Mitch Lafon (of One On One With Mitch Lafon) discuss JUDAS PRIEST as well as STEEL PANTHER and answers the question: 'Was bringing Steel Panther on the road a bonanza or bust for Judas Priest?'

METAL WRAPS is a show that delves into recent rock happenings as well as takes a look at recent One On One With Mitch Lafon and Talking Metal episodes with added insight, commentary, discussion and analysis. The length of each episode will be kept to a flexible fifteen minutes. The show is available via iHeartradio, Spreaker, Stitcher, TuneIn and iTunes as well as the Talking Metal and One On One With Mitch Lafon feeds on those very same digital distribution systems.

We cordially invite you to join us on METAL WRAPS with Mitch Joel, Mark Strigl and Mitch Lafon.

Late Saturday night, in front of a live audience of 2000 Rockbåten rock cruise passengers, the first acts confirmed for next year's Sweden Rock Festival were announced. 19 out of a total of around 90 acts were presented in a nine minute video trailer which can be seen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNLaUBVKW2A

Mötley Crüe have announced their retirement after December 31st 2015. This summer, their show at Sweden Rock Festival will be their only in Scandinavia.

Judas Priest have always received a royal welcome by the Sweden Rock audience, so it is no wonder that their only show in Sweden next summer will be played in Sölvesborg.

Toto have been around for 35 years, but have never played the Sweden Rock Festival. Next summer, the wait is over!

Backyard Babies put their career on ice indefinitely in the spring of 2010. Soon, they will be back with a new album and their return to the stages will begin at Sweden Rock, where the band has never set foot before. "We are absolutely psyched!" comments front man Nicke Borg and guitarist Dregen.

HammerFall, D-A-D and Dark Tranquillity are Sweden Rock audience favourites and we are happy to have them back. Thrash metal legends Nuclear Assault have not played in Sweden in more than 20 years but are now making their only Scandinavian appearance next year at Sweden Rock. Nearly 40 years have passed since the original line-up of Lucifer's Friend played together. The group were pioneers of heavy 70´s hard rock - now they are reunited. With John Lawton (ex-Uriah Heep) on vocals, of course.

Also announced are The Angels, Exciter, Rock Goddess, H.E.A.T, Wolf, The Quireboys, Delain, Torsson and Steve n' Seagulls.

The remaining 70 artists will be announced as they get confirmed throughout the autumn and winter. Tickets and more info can be found at www.swedenrock.com

This week on the Double Stop Podcast is singer/drummer Jeff Martin. He talks about his life and career. He discusses his early days, the formation of Racer X, his times in Badlands (and how things were during the breakup with Ray Gillen), as well as his frustrations with the non-activity of Racer X and the difficulties caused by his solo album The Fool. He also shares details of his friendship with Rob Halford (Judas Priest), and what went on behind the scenes when he sang backup vocals on “Turbo”.

Noize In The Attic (Where Your Past Comes Back To Haunt You) on WNHU 88.7FM New Haven, CT unleashes a two hour celebration of the triumphant new Judas Priest album Redeemer of Souls, with special guests Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner and featuring in-depth interviews, classic cuts, deep tracks and loads of rarities!

Free podcasts are available on iTunes or by following the link at www.noizeintheattic.com where you can also find additional air-times, affiliates and contact information for syndication. Delivering the goods with all guns blazing!

Judas Priest's 17th studio effort overall, 'Redeemer of Souls,' is set to debut in the Billboard 200 charts at #6, which is the highest US album chart debut of the legendary British band's career. Also, with a #5 chart debut in Canada, it is the highest chart-peaking album and first top five debut in the Canada Soundscan era.

And the album reviews have been some of the best of Priest's entire career as well, including Rolling Stone declaring "'Redeemer' is proof that Priest can still call themselves metal's defenders of the faith," while All Music Guide stated "'Redeemer of Souls' is also the loosest (attitude-wise), leanest (arrangement-wise), and most confident-sounding collection of new material the band has released in ages."

It was also recently announced that Priest (singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis) will be hitting the road this fall, along with special guests Steel Panther.

To purchase 'Redeemer of Souls' (which is available as both a 13-track standard version and a 18-track deluxe version), follow these links:

The tracks that Judas Priest has been offering the public as a prelude to the official July 8, 2014 release date of their 17th album overall, 'Redeemer of Souls,' are stirring up quite a buzz within the heavy metal community. On June 17th, eager fans will be able to sample another winning metallic rocker from the legendary band, when "Dragonaut" is made available for purchase via iTunes and other digital retailers.

In the mean time, you can listen to "Dragonaut" via the Rolling Stone site, which has premiered the track:

Also, the band has confirmed that the night before the release of 'Redeemer of Souls,' Glenn Tipton, Rob Halford, and Richie Faulkner will appear on the Rockline radio program. Joining host Bob Coburn on Monday July 7, 2014 at 8:30 PT / 11:30 ET, fans are encouraged to speak with Judas Priest at 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). For a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the broadcast go to www.RocklineRadio.com The show will be streamed for free on the Rockline website beginning the evening after the day of broadcast.

And on the day of the album's release, Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner will appear on Sirius XM's 'Town Hall' program. Fans are being asked to submit questions that winners will be able to ask the band in person:

JUDAS PRIEST SET "MARCH OF THE DAMNED" AS LEADOFF SINGLE FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM, 'REDEEMER OF SOULS'

For the past few weeks, metalheads worldwide have undoubtedly been enjoying the "sneak peak" title track from Judas Priest's forthcoming 'Redeemer of Souls' album. And on Monday, May 19th, the official leadoff single from the album, "March of the Damned," will be released to rock and metal radio, and will be available for purchase via all digital sales providers. Additionally, on the same day, preorders for the full album will be made available through iTunes: http://smarturl.it/redeemerofsouls-albm

As the band themselves said about "March of the Damned," "Our passion for heavy metal has never diminished, and this track sounds off with real conviction!" Listen to the new song here: http://youtu.be/HJhm2vZFj2k.

'Redeemer of Souls' will be made available from Epic Records on Tuesday, July 15th, 2014, as both a standard version and a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. When asked what fans can expect from Priest's 17th album overall, guitarist Glenn Tipton replied, "Sometimes in the past we may have come under fire for being too adventurous musically - so we have listened!! From start to finish 'Redeemer of Souls' is 13 songs of pure classic Priest metal!!"